TerminatedNot Applicable

Prevention of Phantom Limb Pain After Transtibial Amputation

Stopped: Lack of funding and recruitment.

United States, Austria, Belgium12 participantsStarted 2013-08

Plain-language summary

Phantom limb pain following amputation is a major problem. Current evidence how to best prevent phantom limb pain is equivocal because previous trials have included small numbers of patients, and tested heterogeneous patient collectives. There is some evidence that optimized perioperative pain control is effective in preventing phantom limb pain, but the potential added role of regional anesthesia has not been defined. Objective: The Aim of this study is to test the hypothesis that sciatic nerve block decreases the point prevalence of phantom limb pain 12 months after transtibial amputation for peripheral vascular disease compared to optimized intravenous pain therapy. Study design: Randomized, prospective, double-blind (patient, physician, statistician) clinical trial. All patients will receive standard optimized intravenous anesthesia and analgesia (opiate patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), intravenous ketamine). Patients in the intervention group will receive additional infusion of local anesthetic via a sciatic nerve catheter placed under ultrasound guidance. Main outcome of this study: Point prevalence of chronic phantom limb pain after 12 months.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * patients undergoing elective transtibial amputation for peripheral vascular disease * age over 18 years * American Society of Anaesthesiology status II to IV Exclusion Criteria: * contraindication to peripheral regional anesthesia * psychiatric disease * pregnancy or breastfeeding status * amputation for tumour surgery * traumatic amputation * inability to give written and informed consent.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Point prevalence of chronic phantom limb pain

Timeframe: 12 months after amputation

Trial details

NCT IDNCT01626755

SponsorAcademisch Medisch Centrum - Universiteit van Amsterdam (AMC-UvA)

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2017-04

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Phantom Limb Pain trials